Frequently Asked Questions
Below is a list of frequently asked questions arranged by general topics. If you cannot find your answer below, please contact us.
Enrollment
What is the enrollment process?
You begin the enrollment process with a call to our office to schedule a visit. Once all your questions are answered and everyone is comfortable, you will complete the registration form and pay a non-refundable $300.00 deposit. This deposit is applied to the first month’s tuition.
Can my child spend some time in the preschool before enrolling?
Yes, there are three ways your child can spend some time with us:
- Children are welcome on the initial visit with their caregivers.
- When a child begins our program during the school year, they are welcome to spend some time in a transition day before their first day.
- If the child is brand new to school, we suggest slowly easing them into the transition. Starting with a half day first until they are used to the transition from caregiver to preschool.
What are the costs associated with the full-time, early care and late care?
We have flexible scheduling, Parents may enroll their children for 2, 3, 4, or 5 days with half, full or extended days options. Please contact us for a price schedule.
Curriculum
Are you an accredited facility?
Yes! In Pennsylvania the agency that licenses preschools and has accredited us is the Department of Public Welfare. An annual inspection is very comprehensive, involving assessments of our facilities, classrooms, student records and teacher credentials.
What does it mean to be a Keystone Stars 4 Star preschool?
Keystone STARS is an initiative of the Pennsylvania Office of Child Development and Early Learning to improve, support and recognize the continuous quality improvement efforts of early learning programs. We are so happy to be recognized by Keystone STARS as a Star 4 facility. There are 4 levels and we have kept the highest level for many years! Our teachers and staff make sure to keep a warm and nurturing atmosphere and continue to train and grow as teachers to give the children the best ability to learn and grow while keeping up with the latest curriculum. It is our job to make sure our school is successful, and the students are successful in school and in their future endeavors.
Parent Engagement
Is there an active Parent Teacher Organization?
Yes! Our PTO is dedicated to our school and our students. This fun and creative group of parents built a supportive and loving community for kids and their families. The PTO holds regularly scheduled meetings and social events and welcomes your involvement! We are a family here at Beth Sholom and we want everyone involved!
If I qualify for tuition support, what are my activity obligations?
To qualify for the Brodie Initiative, you must go to 8 events throughout the school year. More would be explained in person. There are other avenues of support which some families qualify for. Each family is different which means we hand hold each family through these application processes.
Staff
Tell me about your staff?
Every classroom has a certified early childhood teacher who cares about our children and the curriculum! Our teachers are warm, loving, creative, and experienced. Many of our teachers have been with us for many years and each one is CPR certified in pediatric first aid along with keeping up to date on the latest curriculum and trainings.
Scheduling a Tour
Can I visit the preschool?
Yes, visits are always encouraged! Before registering, parents and children are invited to tour our school. Just click on the Schedule a Tour button anywhere on the site. Once enrolled, we have an open-door policy and parents are always welcome to visit!
We Want to Meet You!
Come tour our facility and meet our teachers. Early Learning is dedicated to creating a sense of family and community through a strong focus on teaching Jewish values and customs.